University of Santo Tomas hopes to build on its initial victory under coach Aldin Ayo as it battles UAAP powerhouse Adamson on Friday night in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.
Gametime is at 6:30 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan where the Tigers, looking to follow up their 98-88 conquest of Jose Rizal U, face the Falcons, who are also coming off their first win at the expense of the Letran Knights on Tuesday.
St. Benilde shoots for a fourth straight victory when it battles another NCAA powerhouse in Arellano U at 12:30 p.m., before NCAA teams San Sebastian and Jose Rizal U square off in the second game.
The third game pits National University against winless Perpetual Help at 4:30 p.m.
But the spotlight will be on the UST-Adamson tussle as the two teams are expected to figure prominently in the title chase in the coming UAAP season.
The Tigers are slowly but surely finding their feet under Ayo, who won titles in the NCAA with Letran and in the UAAP with La Salle two years ago.
Ayo has given Renzo Subido the keys to the Tigers offense and the returning playmaker delivered, scoring a team-high 24 points in the victory over the Heavy Bombers.
But the Tigers will continue to miss prized recruit Steve Akomo who has opted to focus on his academics.
Adamson coach Franz Pumaren unveiled solid recruits in Jerome Lastimosa, Vince Magbuhos and Egie Boy Mojica who joined forces with Papi Sarr and Sean Manganti in the Falcons’ 83-80 win over the Knights. —CEDELF P. TUPAS